BJWSA warns residents to avoid standing water

The Beaufort-Jasper Water & Sewer Authority is advising Lowcountry residents to stay out of standing water because of possible contamination in the wake of Hurricane Matthew.

The BJWSA in a release said although water lines are “in good shape,” sewer lines “are of special concern.”

“Some may have unidentified underground leaks, which when mixed with heavy rainfall and storm surge associated with Matthew, can carry sewage-related bacteria to the surface where it will mix in the standing pool,” the release said.

The large number of residents who remained in the area also is putting a strain on systems which now must run on generators until electric service is restored, the release said. Contamination that is found is controlled through disinfectants.